miðöldin

Miðöldin, commonly known as the Middle Ages, refers to a historical period in Europe that lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and ended with the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. This era is often subdivided into the Early Middle Ages, the High Middle Ages, and the Late Middle Ages, each characterized by distinct political, social, and cultural developments.

The Early Middle Ages, sometimes called the Dark Ages, saw the decline of centralized authority and the rise of various Germanic kingdoms. This period was marked by invasions, migrations, and the gradual formation of new societies. The Catholic Church played a significant role in preserving learning and providing a sense of unity across the fragmented continent.

The High Middle Ages witnessed a resurgence of population, economic growth, and the development of feudalism and manorialism as dominant social and economic systems. Powerful monarchies emerged in many regions, and significant architectural achievements, such as Gothic cathedrals, began to appear. Scholasticism flourished in universities, and the Crusades were launched, impacting both Europe and the Middle East.

The Late Middle Ages were a time of considerable upheaval, including widespread famine, the Black Death, and numerous wars, such as the Hundred Years' War. Despite these challenges, this period also saw advancements in art, literature, and early forms of proto-nationalism. The foundations for the modern nation-state and the intellectual stirrings of the Renaissance were laid during this transformative century, eventually marking the end of the medieval period.